Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-05-05

really come to an end, suppose, said
the rohber, quietly: 'How unfortu-
nate! 1t has afforded me infinite
amusement And turning into a by
path, he also directed his steps towards
the castle.
Breathless, the Marquis arrived at
the house, but finding the Count alb
sent. proceeded as quietly as he could
to the saloon, where Il number of his
acquaintance were assembled around
the hostess, who was gracefully doing
the honors of the house.
Although carefully depressing all al
fusion to his recent adventure, he could
not escape remark upon his distracted
silence, and some joked him upon his
humor; but he could only cast sad,
compassionate chances toward the
Countess, as she chatted gayly, utterly
unconscious of the cloud above her.
Ringing at last for a servant, she in
quired if her brother, tho Count, had
yet returned from hunting. and receiv-
ing in reply the information that he had
but just arrived, and had gone to his
room, leaving his excuses on the plea
of severe headache. An hour later
scarcely finished his cordial greetings
when the Marquis requested an inter-
view, and the two withdrew to an adj
joining room.
Now, what is it, my dear CharrasP"
inquired the Count. serenely; lit APP
pears to me you look somewhat down
hearted"
land truly, my dear friend, I have
sufficient cause to look so,' replied the
Marquis, sadly; ''for it grieves me in
expressibly to be the bearer of had
news"
''Then, for heavens sake, Charras,
don't keep me in suspense; out with it
at Cnce!" cried the Count.
mot two hours since, while riding
through the forest, l was attacked and
robbed; was forced to surrender my
purse to preserve my life
Upon my word, am truly sorry to
hear that you, too, have been subjected
to this villainy on my grounds" ex-
claimed Saillant; ''but others have
been likewise unfortunate. and hope
your loss has not been great"
And do you suppose that I am
grieving for few pieces of gold?" in
terrupted his friend. my dear Count,
the worst is. 1 have discovered the
| bandit"
"What! you have recognized hims
That is, indeed, good luck. Now, then.
| the bold rascal will be secured, and at
once brought to the gallows. 1 will
Immediately"
mo, no, my dear friend, do nothing
yet" interrupted the other; ''this affair
must remain secret, in order to avoid.
! Impossible, the disgrace of highly es-
teemed family. You have not yet
learned the name of the bandit
"Wen, who is it?" demanded his
| friend.
at is;
"Why do you hesitate' 1t is mott
| trust
The Marquis came nearer. ''Alasr'
said he, ''your worst fears are correct;
the mysterious highwayman is Zone
other than your own brother-in-law,
the Count de Mirabeau."
Count de Saillant became deadly
pale.
.Ha! the scoundrelr' he murmured;
''has it come to this? You are sure,
Marquis?"
'Only too, sure, my poor friend"
"You recognized him beyond all
! doubt?''
Beyond all doubt; as he stopped to
take the purse the mask fell from his
| face, and in the moonlight could not
fail to recognize the young Count"
did he perceive that you knew
| him?''
Undoubtedly; spoke few threat
ening words to him that must have con-
WINGED him of it,
| what did he do then?''
HE coolly laughed, and aimed at
me again with his gun, but 1 escaped.
He arrived at the castle a half hour
after / did, and, hear, has gone at
once to his room"
"YOu have spoken to no one else of
thisP" asked Saillant.
mo one"
1.-The villainw cried the Count, be-
side himself with rage. 'But he shall
not escape punishment; he shall be at
once apprehended and imprisoned for
life, that no further disgrace may be
brought upon his family"
The Marquis merely bowed silent
approval, adding, compassionately: 81
will go back to the company, my friend;
it is best that no unpleasant sensation
be excited till the matter is further in
vestigated."
You are right, my good Charras,"
replied the Count; land l will go at
once 20 the wretched man.
While his guest returned to the sa-
lon, the host endeavored to collect his
bewildered senses. and repaired to the
apartment of his brother-in-law
Il